A BUNCH of mates challenged themselves to help out a colleague who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Workers from Ensus, Wilton held a crossbar challenge to drum up cash for dad-of-three Michael Lofty, inset, and raised £420.

Mark Lancaster, who organised it with Ted Whitehead, said the event - in which players try to hit the crossbar from the half way line - was one of a number of ways people have dug deep for the 40-year-old forklift driver.

Michael, who is married to Wendy, is a keen footballer who has played for Middlesbrough’s Dormans Social Club and the Coronation.

Last weekend he started his course of chemotherapy to treat a stomach tumour.

Now, more fundraisers, including a footballing memorabilia auction, are in the pipeline.

“People have been having collections, that sort of thing,” Mark, aged 33, said.

“We all muck in together because he’s only getting sick pay at the moment.

“He’s still upbeat though.”

He added that he hopes the cash will lift Michael’s spirits and ease the squeeze on his budget.

The action took place at Acklam Steelworks Social Club, near Clairville Stadium. But did anyone manage to clip the crossbar? Watch the video at www.gazettelive.co.uk to find out.